Hans (Jean) Arp

Modern Masters Tapestries selection by Didier Marien

Modern Masters Tapestries is proud to present "Cercle Rouge", a hand-knotted polychrome wool tapestry by Jean (Hans) Arp, woven by Marie Cuttoli in collaboration with Galerie Lucie Weill. This exquisite piece captures Arp's signature abstract forms and the skilled craftsmanship of Cuttoli’s atelier. "Cercle Rouge" combines bold geometric shapes and vibrant colors, reflecting the artist’s exploration of organic and harmonious design. Ideal for collectors, museums, and interior designers, this rare tapestry seamlessly blends modern art with traditional textile techniques, offering a unique opportunity to own a timeless masterpiece that elevates any distinguished collection or interior space.

Learn more about the artist

Hans (Jean) Arp Tapestries and Rugs : Early Life and Artistic Formation

Jean Arp, born Hans Peter Wilhelm Arp in Strasbourg, Germany, in 1886, was a renowned German-French artist whose work spanned across multiple artistic mediums, including sculpture, painting, poetry, and graphic design. He is considered a pioneer of both Dadaism and Surrealism, two influential art movements that emerged in the early 20th century.

Arp was born into a family with a strong artistic background. His father was a woodcarver, and his mother was a painter. He received his initial artistic training at the School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg, where he showed an early interest in abstraction and non-representational forms. In 1905, he moved to Paris to further his studies at the Académie Julian.

Dadaism and the Embrace of Absurdity

In 1915, Arp moved to Zurich, Switzerland, where he became involved in the Dada movement. Dada, a revolutionary art movement that emerged in response to the horrors of World War I, rejected traditional artistic conventions and embraced absurdity, humor, and the irrational. Arp’s Dadaist works often featured found objects, collages, and assemblages that challenged conventional notions of form and meaning.

Surrealism: Exploring the Subconscious

In the 1920s, Arp moved to Cologne, Germany, and established close connections with Surrealist artists such as Max Ernst, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí. Surrealism, another avant-garde art movement, focused on exploring the subconscious mind through dream imagery, automatism, and unexpected juxtapositions. Arp’s Surrealist works were characterized by their biomorphic forms, organic shapes, and dreamlike qualities.

Signature Artistic Style: A Celebration of Form and Rhythm

Arp’s artistic style was characterized by a fluidity of forms, a harmonious blend of organic and geometric elements, and a deep appreciation for rhythm and balance. His sculptures, often carved from wood or stone, featured undulating curves, whimsical shapes, and a sense of movement. His paintings were similarly abstract, incorporating vibrant colors, bold lines, and a sense of dynamic energy.